Abstract
Further progress in the development of gas turbines, particularly aero engines, depends on our ability to provide materials with improved strength/weight ratios and with better retention of their strength properties at higher temperatures. In addition, any new material must possess adequate resistance to fatigue and corrosion, adequate toughness, and satisfactory stability for the design life. This paper discusses the prospects for materials that are potentially useful for the major components, viz. compressor blading, compressor and turbine discs, turbine rotor blading, nozzle guide vanes, and the combustion and exhaust areas. It emphasizes the need for closer co-operation between the design, materials, production and development engineers, particularly where fabricability is of paramount importance and where it is necessary to consider materials with a low or negligible capacity for plastic deformation, e.g. cast high temperature alloys, fibre composites and ceramics.
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